Wilson Combat's "Shok-Buff"...

S

Shane Tuttle

Staff
I bought these Shok-Buffs from my gun dealer today that's made by Wilson Combat. Thought I'd give it a whirl.

Anybody have comments on them? He claims it's a "frame saver". Do you think it might mess with the reliability to cycle? I have reloads set up for plinking and hot loads are not going to be the norm. They're going to be installed in a Springfield Loaded 5" model.
 
Shok-Buffs? Some shooters like them and some don't. I don't. Make your choice and go for it. In the last 2 years I bought 4 new Wilson 1911 pistols and they all came with shok-buffs. First thing I did was remove them. Called Wilson customer service and asked for their opinion/comment. Answer was: "No problem. Some shooters like them and some don't. Will NOT affect your pistol warranty."

Sometimes they can cause problems if the spring is on the long side. They can also shred from recoil and fill the recoil channel with pieces of plastic. Doesn't do the funtion of the pistol any good when that happens. Good luck with your choice.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB
 
Both of you have some valid points. I do lean on what you say about another point of failure, Don. However, it's a range gun for now. I just keep thinking that if it's the "cure" to a probable failure, wouldn't a reputable company beef up the critical areas of abuse and be done with it? I would think it would be a better alternative than to insert an $8 piece of plastic...
 
On a range-only gun, a failure is non-critical. If it shreds, you field strip it and remove the debris, re-assemble and go on shooting. It's not going to hurt anything. Maybe it will allow you to get 110,000 rounds on the frame instead of only 100,000. The only downside on a range-gun is it may, possibly, perhaps, maybe, change the timing on the slide cycle and reduce reliability. Again, it's easily corrected. Go for it!

I just put one on my BHP, a range-gun, just out of curiosity. Haven't shot it yet.
 
I used the Shok-Buffs on my competition guns for years and highly recommend them. They reduce the constant pounding of the slide banging into the frame. I replaced them every 2000 rounds and never had a problem with them. Some cheaper made Buffs will shred, but I never had a problem with Wilson's.
 
I don't recommend them at all. I fear that they might shred and tie up an auto pistol at the worst possible time.

I have a 1984 Colt stainless 1911, one of the first, that has been customized by Terry Tussey. Who knows how many rounds are through it.

(Admittedly, not many recently. I have a Colt Enhanced to share the work.)

My pistol looks like it was made yesterday and it has no wear or peening of any kind. Terry won't stand for that, I am greatly afraid to make him mad...
 
I thought they were real chewy candy

More crap-for-gun.

Ridiculous piece of hype; a properly fitted 1911 has no need of them.

Like full-length guide rod, some folks can be convinced of anything.


My my my, aren't we opinionated :D
 
I use a Colt Delta Elite 10mm and always have a shock buff in it. Metal pounding Metal is never a good thing for a long time. I like to practice and carry my 10mm. Every time I shoot I then clean it. If the buff is showing signs of significant wear I toss it and throw in a new one. I have never had a torn one and it is physically impossible for me to have one in my gun because I clean and check it after shooting.
 
rephrase

:D I tested two brands of 'buffs' in my Caspian 1911 (along with four differing guide rod setups).

Either brand affected cycling; gun didn't cycle correctly (and while I could 'feel' the additional weight from steel full-length guide rods, but NO difference with an aluminum full-length rod, I reinstalled the correct parts).

I am convinced that on toy guns they matter not but on social guns they are a
mistake.
Mistake.
 
Weshoot,
Thanks for your clarification.;)

Skeeter,
Thanks for your response. Mine is the standard 5 inch. Didn't think of the Officer's model being a factor. Good to know in the future...
 
1. Not for Mini 45s
2. OK for everything else as long as it functions fine in your gun and is regularly changed.
3. I have never heard of a properly made one falling apart and tying up a gun

Your gun, your choice. I dont like them in my Hi Power but are fine in 45s

WildandevengodhimselfcantstoppeeningAlaska TM
 
I noticed that my brass showed it was getting dented during ejection when I had shok-buffers installed in my Colt Combat Commander...I also had the occasional smoke stack.

Since removing the buffs, no dents...and no ejection problems.
 
I noticed that my brass showed it was getting dented during ejection when I had shok-buffers installed in my Colt Combat Commander...I also had the occasional smoke stack.
Click to expand...

Why was it denting your brass Creature?:confused:

WildandevengodhimselfcantstoppeeningAlaska
Click to expand...

I thought you were an atheist?:D
 
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